Portable exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

A portable exercise device includes an anchor portion, a swivel portion, one or more elongate straps, springs or elastic cords, and handles. The swivel portion may allow the elongate straps to rotate without getting tangled. The springs may be placed in series or in parallel with at least part of the elongate straps. Two or more springs, of different lengths, may be placed in parallel to achieve a changing spring constant of the system, depending on displacement of the handle.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.14/310,912, filed on Jun. 20, 2014 titled “PORTABLE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT.”The entirety of the foregoing is hereby made part of this specificationas if set forth fully herein and incorporated by reference for allpurposes, for all that it contains. Moreover, any and all applicationsfor which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in theApplication Data Sheet as filed with the present application are alsohereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR §1.57.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present technology generally relates to exercise portable equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exists various types of exercise equipment. Most of the equipmentis heavy and must reside in a single place. This equipment often usesmetal weights for resistance, which are often tens, or hundreds ofpounds in weight. The exercise equipment that supports these weightsoften weighs hundreds of pounds themselves. Additionally, each piece ofexercise equipment may only provide a user with a limited number ofexercises that can be performed on that piece of equipment. In somecases, only a single exercise may be performed on a single piece ofequipment.

Some exercise equipment can be portable. These systems allow the user toengage the exercise equipment at home or while traveling. The portableexercise equipment generally comprises an anchor portion, intermediatestraps, and two handles. However, these pieces of equipment arecumbersome and difficult to use. The anchor portion has a limited numberof structures to which it can attach. The straps often become tangled.The number and types of exercises that can be performed is limited.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods and devices described herein have innovativeaspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsiblefor their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of theclaims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other features, aspects, andadvantages of the present technology will now be described in connectionwith various embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are notintended to be limiting. Like reference numbers and designations in thevarious drawings indicate like elements. Not all of the elements of thedrawings are in to scale relate to other drawings and the comparativesize of one element relative to another element in the drawings is notnecessarily indicative of the relative sizes of the elements in one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least an anchorportion.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least an upperstrap.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a connector.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least an elongatestrap.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a lowerstrap and a spring.

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a lowerstrap and a spring.

FIG. 7C illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a lowerstrap and a spring.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a spring.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a handle.

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of at least a handle.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a first force/displacement chart.

FIG. 12 illustrates a second force/displacement chart.

FIG. 13 illustrates a third force/displacement chart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. Theillustrative embodiments described in the detailed description,drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments maybe utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from thespirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readilyunderstood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generallydescribed herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged,substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form partof this disclosure. For example, a system or device may be implementedor a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forthherein. In addition, such a system or device may be implemented or sucha method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, orstructure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more ofthe aspects set forth herein. Elements that are described as“connected,” “engaged,” “attached,” or similarly described, shallinclude being directly and/or indirectly connected, engaged, attached,etc. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of theinventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled inthe art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be consideredwithin the scope of the invention.

Descriptions of unnecessary parts or elements may be omitted for clarityand conciseness, and like reference numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. In the drawings, the size and thickness of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience.

Features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. It will be understood these drawings depictonly certain embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and,therefore, are not to be considered limiting of its scope; thedisclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough use of the accompanying drawings. An apparatus, system or methodaccording to some of the described embodiments can have several aspects,no single one of which necessarily is solely responsible for thedesirable attributes of the apparatus, system or method. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how illustratedfeatures serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise device 100 may comprise variousbuckles, connectors, straps, springs, etc. The various buckles,connectors, straps, springs, etc. may be configured to allow the user toconnect, disconnect, and/or reconnect various parts of the devicedepending on the desired use of the device. In some embodiments, a firstend of the exercise device 100 comprises an anchor portion 200. Theanchor portion 200 may comprise straps, stitching, buckles, connectors,and/or an obstruction device. The anchor portion 200 is proximate anupper strap 250. The upper strap 250 is proximate a connector 300. Theconnector 300 is proximate at least one elongate strap 400. The at leastone elongate strap 400 is proximate a lower strap 450 and a spring 500.The lower strap 450 and spring 500 are proximate at least one handle550.

As shown in FIG. 2, the anchor portion 200 of an exercise device 100 maybe attached to or engaged with a stable structure; a user may grip orotherwise engage a second end of the device 100, which may comprise oneor more handles 550. The stable structure may provide a point from whichthe exercise device 100 can be extended. It may be advantageous for thestructure, to which the device 100 is attached, to be capable ofpreventing or reducing movement of at least part of the exercise device100, even when a force is applied to the device 100 in a direction awayfrom the structure. Various exercises may be performed by the user byengaging the device 100 and then performing movements. The orientationof the user relative to the device 100 and the direction of the user'smovements may vary depending on the preferences of the user.

As shown in FIG. 3, the anchor portion 200 may comprise an obstructiondevice 205 and an anchor strap 210. The obstruction device 205 maycomprise various shapes and may be several inches wide and high. In someembodiments, the obstruction device 205 is a cylindrical section of foamwith a harder plastic core. The core defines a hole through which theanchor strap 210 may be disposed. In other embodiments, the obstructiondevice 205 may be other three-dimensional shapes, or may more closelyresemble a flat plate. In other embodiments, the obstruction device 205may be a pipe, tube, plate, sphere, or other shape, and may comprise aprotective layer on at least part of the surface of the obstructiondevice. In the embodiments where the obstruction device 205 is shapedlike a flat plate, the anchor strap 210 may be threaded through one ormore holes in the plate. The obstruction device 205 may comprise foam,plastic, PVC, or other material. In some embodiments, the obstructiondevice 205 may comprise a PVC pipe that is at least partially covered,and may be wrapped in a nylon strap. The nylon strap may comprise a loopor other connector at one end of the obstruction device 205, in order toengage other portions of the exercise device 100. It may be advantageousfor the obstruction device 205 to comprise a material that does notleave a mark or residue when rubbed against a surface. In someembodiments, it may also be advantageous for the obstruction device 205to be generally lightweight, in total weight or in density. Theobstruction device 205 may be between 0.5 inches and 5 inches wide; orit may be between 1 inch and 3 inches wide, or it may be approximately 2inches wide. Dimensions for the height of the obstruction device 205 maybe similar to those of the width, however the scope of the invention isnot limited by the relative or absolute dimensions of the obstructiondevice 205.

The anchor strap 210 may be disposed within at least part of theobstruction device 205, or may otherwise be attached or attachable tothe obstruction device 205. In some embodiments, the anchor strap 210comprises nylon webbing, which may be approximately 1 inch in width. Theanchor strap 210 may be wider or narrower and still provide the samefunction or benefits. The anchor straps 210 on either side of theobstruction device may be sewn or attached to each other to create aloop 215 onto which the obstruction device 205 may be disposed. Theanchor strap 210 may comprise a second loop 220 that may engage orattach to, directly or indirectly, at least a portion of the upper strap250. In some embodiments, the upper strap 250 may be disposed in a loop220 created by the anchor strap 210, or the upper strap 250 may engage aconnector, which in turn engages the anchor strap 210.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper strap 250 may be connected to an upperstrap connector 255 and/or an upper strap adjuster 265. The upper strapconnector 255 may be disposed at a first end of the upper strap 250 andmay be temporarily or permanently attached to the upper strap 250. Theupper strap 250 may comprise nylon webbing, which may be approximately 1inch in width. The upper strap 250 may be wider or narrower and stillprovide the same function or benefits. In some embodiments, the upperstrap 250 is sewn to create a loop 260, onto which the upper strapconnector 255 may be disposed.

The upper strap 250 may engage an upper strap adjuster 265, which maycomprise a ladder lock buckle. In some embodiments, the upper strap 250is disposed in one or more openings in the adjuster 265 such that theadjuster 265 may slide or move along at least part of the upper strap250. An adjuster grip 270 may be connected to the upper strap adjuster265 and may allow a user to more easily adjust the location of theadjuster 265 along the upper strap 250. A second strap 275 may beattached to the adjuster 265 and may be sewn to create a loop 280. Theloop 280 may be configured to engage at least a part of the upper strapconnector 255. When the loop 280 is engaged with the upper strapconnector 255, a larger loop 285, largely defined by the upper strap250, may be created. The size of the larger loop 285 may be adjusted bysliding the adjuster 265 along the upper strap 250. The adjuster 265 maybe moved before or after the larger loop 285 is created.

The upper strap connector 255 may comprise a buckle, carabineer, orother connector that may temporarily connect together one or moreportions of straps. In some embodiments, the upper strap connector 255is a carabineer with an opening on the side through which a strap may bepassed. In some embodiments, the connector 255 may be a buckle wherein afemale portion of the buckle is disposed on the end of the upper strapand a male portion of the buckle is disposed on the second strap, orvice versa. The male portion may engage the female portion of the buckleto create a larger loop 285. Other methods of directly or indirectlyconnecting the upper strap 250 to the second strap 275 may be employedand the scope of the invention is not limited by the configuration ofsuch a connection. The adjuster 265 may comprise plastic or metal orother material. Other methods of adjusting the size of the larger loop285 may be employed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper strap 250 may be attached to a mainconnector 300. In some embodiments, an end of the upper strap 250 may beconfigured to create a loop 305, which engages a first end 310 of themain connector 300. The first end 310 may comprise an eyelet 315 throughwhich the end of the upper strap 205 may be disposed. In someembodiments, a portion of the upper strap 250 other than the end mayengage the main connector. In some embodiments, the anchor portion 200may comprise the components adjacent the main connector 300 up to anincluding the obstruction device 205.

The main connector 300 may also comprise a second end 320, which mayalso comprise an eyelet 325. The eyelet of the second end 325 may beconfigured to engage an eyelet strap 330, which may comprise one or moreeyelet connectors 335. In some embodiments, each of the one or moreeyelet connectors 335 engages one or more elongate straps 400. In someembodiments, the eyelet strap 330 engages two eyelet strap connectors335, each of which engages an elongate strap 400. In some embodiments,the one or more elongate straps 400 may engage the second end of themain connector 320 directly or indirectly. The main connector 300 may beconfigured such that the elongate straps 400 are disposed through eyeletstrap connectors 335, or through the eyelet of the second end 325.

In some embodiments, the main connector 300 comprises a swivel portion340, wherein the first end of the main connector 310 is capable ofrotating relative to the second end 320. The first end 310 may beconfigured to be able to rotate less than 360 degrees relative to thesecond end 320, or may be configured to rotate 360 degrees or morerelative to the second end 320. In some embodiments, the first end 310is configured to not substantially move longitudinally away from thesecond end 320, and may be capable of withstanding significantlongitudinal tensile force without substantial longitudinal movement.

An exercise device 100 that comprises a main connector 300 with a swivelportion 340 may be beneficial to a user of the exercise device 100. Forinstance, the user may be able to perform different exercises becausethe swivel portion 340 prevents the one or more elongate straps 400 frombecoming tangled. As a non-limiting example, a user may perform anexercise that twists or rotates the exercise device 100. When rotating,the first elongate strap 400 may become tangled with the second elongatestrap 400 or catch on the second elongate strap 400. However, by using aswivel portion 340 of the main connector 300, the first and secondelongate straps 400 may rotate relative to the anchor portion 200 andthe first and second elongate straps 400 may remain in substantially thesame position relative to each other, even during a twisting motion.

As a second non-limiting example, the swivel portion 340 may allow the afirst elongate strap 400 to remain at a constant angle relative to asecond elongate strap 400 during exercise motions in which the exercisedevice 100 is rotated or twisted. For instance, an exercise to beperformed with the exercise device 100 may comprise applying a tensileforce to the handles 550 in a direction away from the anchor portion200. The first and second elongate straps 400 (connected to the firstand second handles 550 respectively) may be at a specific orientation toone another. The user may benefit from the elongate straps 400 being ata certain angle, where the angle is defined by the first handle 550, tothe main connector 300, then to the second handle 550. An exercise maybe performed wherein the user twists or rotates the handles 550 aroundan axis that is in generally parallel to the tensile force applied tothe anchor portion 200. In such a configuration, without a swivelportion of the main connector 340, the elongate straps 400 may have atendency to wrap about one another, effectively shortening their length.If the user keeps his hands at a constant distance apart, the angle fromthe first handle 550, to the main connector 300, to the second handle550, will increase in magnitude. However, if a swivel portion of themain connector 340 is present, the elongate straps 400 may be able tofreely rotate about the axis, such that the elongate straps 400 do notbecome twisted, which may allow the angle to remain unchanged. It may beimportant for different exercises for the angle between the elongatestraps 400 to remain constant and to not change throughout the motion ofthe exercise.

In addition, in some embodiments, it may be easier for the user toarrange the exercise device 100 for use if a swivel portion 340 ispresent. For example, if the user attaches the anchor portion 200 to asuitable structure, the exercise device 100 may be twisted from storage,and may not be in a condition for use without untwisting. However, ifthe exercise device 100 comprises a main connector 300 comprising aswivel portion 340, the user may be able to grab the handles 550 andbegin use immediately, since any tensile force applied an the exercisedevice 100 that is twisted, may have the tendency to untwist the anchorportion 200 relative to the elongate straps 400 by rotating at leastpart of the swivel portion of the main connector 340. This may save theuser time and reduce frustration.

As shown in FIG. 6, the elongate straps 400 may be connected, directlyor indirectly, to a portion of the main connector 300. In someembodiments, the main connector 300 attaches to two elongate straps 400.Each elongate strap 400 may comprise two pieces of nylon webbing, whichmay be approximately 1 inch in width. The elongate straps 400 may bewider or narrower and still provide the same function or benefits. Theelongate straps 400 may be several feet in length. For each elongatestrap 400, the two pieces of webbing may be attached to each other atregular intervals. The intervals between the stitching may be between0.5 inches and 12 inches, between 2 inches and 8 inches, or may beapproximately 5 inches. The stitching may also be irregularly spaced,with some intervals being larger than others.

In some embodiments, an end of an elongate strap 400 comprises a loop405, which is connected to an adjuster 410. The adjuster 410 maycomprise a ladder lock buckle. The adjuster 410 may be configured toslide or move along at least part of the elongate strap 400, and maycomprise an adjuster grip 415 that may make it easier for the user toadjust the position of the adjuster 410 long the strap 400. Another endof the elongate strap 400 may be connected to a lower strap 450 or to aspring 500. The distance between the lower strap 450 and the mainconnector 300 may be changed by altering the position of the adjuster410 along the elongate strap 400. As a non-limiting example, if theadjuster 410 is moved closer to the main connector 300, the distancebetween the main connector 300 and the lower strap 450 may be increased.If the adjuster 410 is moved closer to the lower strap 450, the distancebetween the main connector 300 and the lower strap 450 may be decreased.This may be true for both elongate straps 400 on the exercise device. Insome embodiments, moving the adjuster 410 closer to the main connector300 may decrease the distance between the main connector 300 and thelower strap 450, and may depend on the specific configuration of theconnectors, straps, and adjusters. By sliding the adjusters 410 todifferent positions along the elongate straps 400, the user may be ableto change the total length of the exercise device 100, including thedistance between the anchor portion 200 and the handles 550. This may beadvantageous in that different exercises may benefit from the exercisedevice 100 being different lengths. An embodiment that uses adjusters410 that slide along the elongate straps 400 to adjust its length may beadvantageous because they may allow the user to quickly change thelength of the exercise device 100 between different exercises and mayprevent the user from having to take excessive time between exercises tomake adjustments to the equipment.

As shown in FIG. 7A, an end of the elongate strap 400 may be connectedto a lower strap 450 and/or a spring 500. The elongate strap 400 mayattach to a connector 420, which may be attached to one end of a spring500. The second end of the lower strap 450, and the second end of thespring 500, may both connect to a handle strap 555. The lower strap 450may attach to a connector 560, which may be attached to the handle strap555. The spring 500 may be attached to a connector 560, which may beattached to the handle strap 555.

The lower strap 450 may comprise nylon webbing, which may beapproximately 1 inch in width. The lower strap 450 may be wider ornarrower and still provide the same function and benefits. In someembodiments, the lower strap 450 is attached directly to the elongatestrap 400 via stitching. Or, the lower strap 450 may attach to aconnector 420, which may attach to the elongate strap 400. The elongatestrap 400 may comprise a loop 425, through which a connector 420 may bedisposed. The connector 420 may be attached to a first end of a spring500. The spring 500 may be a tubular or cylindrical spring band, or mayhave another shape such as a flat band, commonly used for exercising.Springs designed for exercise may be used, or springs designed for otherpurposes may be utilized. In some embodiments, the first end of thespring 500 may comprise a webbing loop 505 that engages the connector420 to secure the end of the spring 500 to the connector 420 and to theend of the elongate strap 400.

In some embodiments, the handle strap 555 comprises at least one loop565, and may comprise two, three, or more loops 565. Each loop 565 maybe configured to receive a connector 560. A connector 560 attached tothe handle strap 555 may be configured to be attached to the lower strap450, to the spring 500, to both the lower strap 450 and the spring 500,or to another component of the exercise device 100.

As depicted in FIG. 7A, the lower strap 450 may be shorter than thespring 500. As depicted in FIG. 7B, the lower strap 450 may be generallythe same length as the spring 500. As depicted in FIG. 7C, the lowerstrap 450 may be longer than the spring 500.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lower strap 450 may be detached from the handlestrap 555. In some embodiments, the lower strap 450 is detachable fromthe handle strap 555 and may be attached to another portion of theexercise device 100. The end of the lower strap 450 may remain attachedto the connector 560, and then once the connector 560 is detached fromthe handle strap 555, the connector 560 may be attached to a portion ofthe elongate strap 400. The connector 560 may be configured to attach tothe space between the two pieces of webbing of the elongate strap 400.The stitching connecting the two pieces of webbing may be configured tokeep the connector 560 from detaching or from sliding excessively alongthe elongate strap 400. In some embodiments, once the lower strap 450has been detached from the handle strap 555, only the spring 500 is leftconnecting the elongate strap 400 to the handle strap 555. Thus, thedistance between the elongate strap 400 and the handle 550 may bevariable depending on the amount of force applied to the handle 550. Insome embodiments (not shown) more than one spring 500 may connect theelongate strap 400 to the handle 550. Each spring 500 may have the sameor different spring constant.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the handle strap 555 may comprise one or more loops565 that can accommodate one or more connectors 560. The handle strap555 may also attach to a grip portion 570. In some embodiments, the gripportion 570 comprises a generally rigid core and a softer outside. Thecore may allow the grip portion 570 to be configured in a specific shapeand may allow the grip portion 570 to remain in that shape. The softeroutside may be advantageous as it may allow the user to more securelyengage the grip 570. The shape of the grip portion 570 may be variableand different configurations may be more advantageous for differentexercises. For instance, the configuration of the grip portion 570depicted in FIG. 9B may be easier for some users to grab onto orotherwise engage.

In some embodiments, the handles may be configured to engage one or moreparts of the user's body. For instance, as a non-limiting example, thehandle may be sized to accommodate a user's hand, foot, ankle, elbow,wrist, knee, or other part of the user's body. The handle may beconfigured to allow the user to easily insert his foot and/or ankle intothe handle portion. This may be advantageous because the user may beable to perform more exercises. This may also be an improvement overconventional portable exercise devices because often these exercisedevices do not have handles that are sized to accommodate differentparts of the user's body. In some embodiments, the handle may beconfigured to accommodate two or more parts of a user's body at the sametime.

In some embodiments, to use the exercise device 100, the user firstanchors a portion of the exercise device to a stable structure. Thestable structure may include the top of a door frame, the side of a doorframe, the bottom of a door, a horizontal pole, a vertical pole, or someother stationary object (e.g., door handle, bed post, etc.). The devicemay be anchored in a door frame by first starting with the door open.The user may place the obstruction device 205 on the far side of thedoor with the anchor strap 210 disposed between the door and the doorframe. The door may then be closed. When tension is applied to theexercise device 100, the anchor strap 210 pulls on the obstructiondevice 205. Because the obstruction device 205 is on the far side of thedoor and cannot easily fit through the space between the door and thedoor frame, the exercise device 100 does not move easily and issubstantially prevented from moving away from the door. The sameprocedure may be used when the exercise device 100 is to be anchored tothe top of the door frame, to the side of the door frame, or at thebottom of the door between the door and the floor.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 may be anchored to a stableobject other than a door and/or door frame. For instance, the exercisedevice 100 may be anchored to a pole, bar, tree, or some other stableobject around which a strap may be placed. For these objects, there maynot be a convenient place into which the obstruction device 205 may beplaced. Instead, the upper strap 250 may be wrapped around the stableobject. For instance, in order to anchor the exercise device 100 to ahorizontal bar, a tree branch, or similar stable structure, the upperstrap 250 and upper strap connector 255 may be disconnected from thesecond strap 275. The upper strap 250 may then be wrapped around thestable object and then reconnected to the second strap 275, wherein theupper strap 250 and second strap 275 create a loop 285 and the stableobject is disposed within the loop 285. The upper strap adjuster 265 maythen be positioned along the upper strap 250 to shorten the size of theloop 285 such that the upper strap 250 fits snuggly against the stablestructure.

Conventional exercise devices may contain a mechanism to attach to astable structure such as a horizontal bar, and may contain theequivalent of an upper strap 250. However, the attachment mechanism thatis used to create the loop 285, into which the stable structure isdisposed, is often very different. In conventional devices, the upperstrap has a finite number of discrete attachment points, creating alimited number of sizes of loops that can be created. In order to attachsuch a device to a horizontal bar, the user must use the next largestloop, which will undoubtedly have unnecessary and unwanted slack.However, in some embodiments, the exercise device 100 has an unlimitednumber of sizes of loops 285 that can be created due to the fact thatthe upper strap adjuster 265 can continuously slide along the length ofthe upper strap 250. Additionally, as described above, the upper strap250 can be positioned around the stable object and then reconnected, andthen the size of the loop 285 is adjusted. Being able to adjust the sizeof the loop 285 after the stable object has been disposed within theloop 285 is advantageous because it allows the user to create a morestable connection between the upper strap 250 and the stable object.

When the exercise device is attached to a horizontal bar, thedifferences between the exercise device and conventional exercisedevices may not be as apparent. However, when attaching the exercisedevice to a vertical pole (e.g., a bed post, tree trunk, etc.), thedifferences may become more important. Since the straps from aconventional exercise device cannot be snugged up against the pole, thedevice may have a tendency to fall down when tension is not applied tothe device. Contrastingly, when the upper strap 250 of the exercisedevice 100 is snugged up against the vertical pole, being adjusted afterthe loop 285 has been created, the ability of the exercise device 100 tomaintain its position on the vertical pole improves, even when tensionis not applied. This is true not just for vertical poles, but also forother objects as well. For instance, a user may desire to attach theexercise device 100 to a door knob. Conventional exercise devices willhave a tough time adequately securing a strap to a door knob, since theconventional exercise device has a limited number of loop sizes, and theloop cannot be decreased once the loop is created. Conversely, the upperstrap 250 of the exercise device 100 may wrapped around a door knob, theupper strap connector 255 can then attach to the second strap 275creating a loop 285, and then the upper strap adjuster 265 can bepositioned along the upper strap 250 to decrease the size of the loop285 in order to securely fit the upper strap 250 to the door knob.

Once the exercise device 100 has been secured to a stable object, theuser may perform a variety of exercises. In some embodiments, the usermay grasp the handles 550 with his hands and exert a force on the handle550 in the direction opposite of the stable object. The user may pushthe handles 550 away from the stable object, pull the handles 550 awayfrom the stable object, he may rotate at least part of his body to exerta force on the handles 550 in the direction away from the stable object,or he may perform a different motion that exerts a force on the exercisedevice 100 away from the stable object. The user may exert a force on asingle handle 550 using a single hand, he may exert a force on a singlehandle 550 using both hands, he may exert a force on both handles 550using a single hand, or he may exert a force on both handles 550 usingboth hands. Other combinations may be possible. In some embodiments, theuser may engage a different part of his body with the handles 550 inorder to exert a force on the handles 550 in a direction away from thestable object. For instance, as non-limiting examples, the user mayengage one or more handles 550 with the user's elbows, ankles, heels,tops of feet, bottoms of feet, shins, backs of knees, or some other bodypart. Different exercises may benefit from different body parts beingused to engage one or more handles 550.

In some embodiments, to use the exercise device 100, the user may use apart of his body to exert a tensile force on the exercise device 100 ina direction away from the stable object. For instance, as a non-limitingexample, the user may use the exercise device 100 to perform an exercisesimilar to a lat row. To perform this exercise, the user may begin withthe exercise device 100 anchored to a stable object, such as the top orside of a door frame, so that the height of the anchor portion 200 abovethe ground is similar to the height of the user's chest above theground. The user then grips the handles 550, one hand per handle 550,faces the door frame, and places his hands close to his chest. The usermay then step back until the exercise device 100 is generally taught andfully extended. The user then begins the exercise movement by extendinghis arms and simultaneously leaning back so that the exercise device 100remains fully extended. Then, the user may pull his hands back towardshis chest, resulting in his body moving forward towards the door frame.This exercise may work out the muscles in the user's upper back.

In some embodiments, the user may be able to perform an exercise similarto a chest press. To perform this exercise, the user begins with theexercise device 100 in the same position, but instead begins with hisback towards the door frame and his arms stretched out in front ofhimself. Then, to begin the exercise, the user leans forward and allowshis hands to come close to his chest. Then, the user pushes his handsaway from his chest, resulting in his body being pushed back into anupright position. This exercise may work out the muscles in the user'schest.

Either of these two example exercises may be performed by eitherconventional devices or with an exercise device 100 wherein the elongatestrap 400 is connected to the handle 550 by the lower strap 450.However, the exercise could be improved if the lower strap 450 isdetached from the handle 550 and attached to a point on the elongatestrap 400 (see FIG. 8), with only the spring 500 connecting the elongatestrap 400 to the handle 550. In such a configuration, the user may beable to perform the exercise without having to rely on his own bodyweight for resistance, and would not have to tilt his whole body in theprocess. Instead, the user can begin the lat row exercise facing thedoor frame with his arms extended and the exercise device 100 in a fullyextended position. The user then pulls his hands towards his chest.Because the spring 500 connects the elongate strap 400 to the handle550, and the lower strap 450 does not connect the elongate strap 400 tothe handle 550, the handle 550 may move away from the door frame when atensile force is applied to the exercise device 100. Since a spring 500is providing the resistance to the user's pulling motion, the more forcethat is applied, the further the handles 550 can be moved away from thedoor frame. In this exercise, the user's body may remain in an uprightposition and may facilitate a better posture for the exercise motion.

Similar advantages may be found performing the chest press exerciseusing a spring 500 as resistance. For instance, the user may begin withhis back to the door frame, exercise device 100 fully extended, andhands near his chest. The user may then extend his arms forward awayfrom the door frame, exerting a tensile force on the exercise device100, and using the spring 500 as resistance to his movement. Once theuser extends his arms fully, or as far as he desires, the user can thenbring his hands back to his chest. Similar to the lat row exercise, theuser can perform this exercise without having to tilt and move his upperbody and does not need to rely on his own body weight for resistance.This configuration is advantageous in that the user can focus more onspecific muscles and can achieve a better posture for the exercisemovement. Using an exercise device that comprises springs instead ofsolely the user's body weight for resistance, may also allow the user toperform exercises in a more comfortable or ergonomic position. Forinstance, when using an exercise device that comprises straps but nosprings, the user's feet are generally placed parallel together in theuser's body must tilt forwards or backwards. This may require the userto keep his core tight prevent his hips from dropping to avoid anyinjuries to his lower back. However, when using an exercise device thatcomprises springs, the user may be able to place one foot ahead of theother foot, resulting in a more stable stance. In this stance, theuser's hips may no longer drop and may not put pressure on the user'slower back.

Although two exercises were described that could be performed withconventional exercise devices, and performed better using one or moreembodiments of the current exercise device 100, there are otherexercises that are not possible with conventional exercise devicesbecause the range and direction of movement does not rely on the user'sbody weight. For instance, as a non-limiting example, the user mayanchor the exercise device 100 to the bottom of a door. The user mayperform an exercise similar to a shoulder row. Here, the user beginswith his hands near his waist and the exercise device 100 fullyextended. Note that the length of the exercise device 100 may need to beadjusted, and may be accomplished by moving the adjuster 410 along theelongate strap 400. For this exercise, the user may prefer to have thelower strap 450 be disconnected from the handle portion 550 so that onlythe spring 500 connects the elongate strap 400 to the lower strap 450.To begin the exercise, the user pulls up on the handles 550, exerting atensile force on the exercise device 100, until his hand are near hisshoulders or chin. Because the spring 500 provides resistance to theuser's movement, the handles 550 will generally be more difficult topull up on as the user's hands get closer to his shoulders or chin. Theuser may then lower his hands back down towards his waist, decreasingthe tensile force on the exercise device 100. Since this exercise isperformed with the user pulling up on the handles 550, it is notpossible to perform a similar exercise on a conventional exercise devicethat relies only on the user's body weight for resistance. Thus, one ormore embodiments of the exercise device 100 that use springs 500 forresistance may be advantageous because it allows the user to performmore exercises using the same equipment.

In some embodiments, another exercise that cannot be performed using aconventional device is an exercise similar to a standing hip abductorexercise. Here, the user begins by anchoring the device 100 at or nearthe bottom of a door, or other stable structure at approximately thesame height. For instance, a bed post or desk leg may suffice. The usermay then engage his foot with the handle 550 and move his ankle awayfrom the stable structure until the there is no slack in the exercisedevice 100. The user may the stand and face in a direction, such thatthe ankle in the handle 550 is furthest from the stable structure andthe ankle not in the handle 550 is closest to the stable structure. Theuser may lift the ankle in the handle 550 a few inches off of the floorand gently move it away from the stable structure, and then return theankle to the starting position. This exercise motion moves the handle550 of the exercise device 100 in a generally horizontal direction andthe resistance to the movement is not dependent on the user's ownweight. Instead, the resistance to the movement is provided bystretching the spring 100. Thus, this exercise is not possible with aconventional exercise device that only relies on the user's own weightfor resistance to movement. The configuration of an embodiment of theexercise device 100 that uses springs 550 for resistance may beadvantageous because it allows the user to perform more exercises usingthe same equipment.

In some embodiments, a spring 500 connects the elongate strap 400 to thehandle strap 555. The springs 500 may comprise a spring constant,wherein the spring constant is in the form of force/displacement. Commonunits for spring constants may be N/m or lbf/ft.

In some embodiments, more than one spring 500 connects the elongatestrap 400 to the handle strap 555. When two springs are in a parallelconfiguration, their spring constants are additive. Two springs inparallel, with the same spring constants and the same lengths, will haveapproximately twice the resistance of a single spring in the samesetting. In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 has a connector atthe end of the elongate strap 420 and a connector 560 at the end of thehandle strap 555. More than one spring 500 may be attached to theexercise device 100 at the same time. The springs 500 may be ofdifferent lengths and of different spring constants.

For embodiments of an exercise device 100 that comprises two springs 500(of the same spring constant and length) disposed between an elongatestrap 400 and a handle strap 555, the exercise device 100 may provideapproximately twice the resistance as would embodiments where only asingle spring 500 was disposed between an elongate strap 400 and ahandle strap 555. It may be advantageous for the user to have theability to easily increase the resistance of the exercise device 100 bysimply adding or taking away springs 500. In some embodiments, twosprings 500 may be attached, wherein the springs 500 have the samelength, but different spring constants. The resulting spring constant ofthe two springs 500 together may be greater than either springindependently, and the magnitude of the resulting spring constant willdepend, at least, on the values of the spring constants of the springs500 attached to the exercise device 100.

As a non-limiting example, the graph in FIG. 11 shows aforce-displacement curve for one or more springs, of the same length, inparallel where the resulting spring constant is 40 N/m. The one or moresprings may comprise a single spring with a spring constant of 40 N/m,or two individual springs in parallel where each spring has a springconstant of 20 N/m, or some other combination of one or more springs ofthe same length where the resulting spring constant is 40 N/m. In thissystem, as shown below, when 10N of force is applied to the one or moresprings, the springs displace 0.25 m. When 14N of force is applied tothe one or more springs, the springs displace 0.35 m. When 20N of forceis applied to the one or more springs, the springs displace 0.5 m.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 may comprise two springs500, wherein the two springs 500 have different lengths, but the samespring constant. The second spring 500 may have a length that is 0.25 mgreater than the first spring 500. The springs 500 may be disposedbetween an elongate strap 400 and a handle strap 555. In thisconfiguration, the first spring 500 may be shorter than the secondspring 500. Since the springs 500 have different lengths, there may be apoint at which only the first spring 500 is providing resistance. A usermay apply enough force to the first spring 500, such that its stretchedlength is approximately equal to the length of the unstretched secondspring 500. If any more force is applied, the second spring 500 maybegin to provide resistance. In this case, the spring constant of thetwo springs 500 may be different depending on whether the second spring500 is providing resistance. The spring constant of the first spring 500alone (before the second spring 500 provides resistance) may be lessthan the spring constant of the two springs 500 in parallel (after thesecond spring 500 provides resistance). In this sense, the springconstant of the two-spring system changes depending on how much force isapplied and how much the first spring 500 is displaced.

The graph in FIG. 12 shows a force-displacement curve for two springs inparallel where the first spring has a spring constant of 40 N/m and thesecond spring has a spring constant of 40 N/m, and the second spring is0.25 m longer than the first spring. Similar to the graph in FIG. 11,when 10N is applied to the two springs, the first spring displaces 0.25m. This is also the point at which the second spring begins to provideresistance. If any more force is applied, the second spring will beginto provide resistance and the spring constant for the two springs fromthis displacement and farther, will be larger than the spring constantof the first spring individually. If the second spring has a springconstant of 40 N/m, then the resulting spring constant of the twosprings in parallel, for displacements greater than 0.25 m, will be 80N/m, or twice that of either spring individually. Therefore, when 10N offorce is applied to the two springs, the first spring displaces 0.25 mand the second spring does not displace (because its length is 0.25 mgreater than the first spring). This result is similar to FIG. 11. When14N of force is applied to two springs, the first spring displaces 0.3m, and the second spring stretches from 0.25 m to 0.3 m. In thisscenario, the first spring applies 12N of force resistance and thesecond spring applies 2N of force resistance. When 20N of force isapplied to the two springs, the first spring displaces 0.375 m, and thesecond spring displaces 0.125 m. In this scenario, the first springapplies 15N of force and the second spring applies 5N of force.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 may comprise two springs500, wherein the two springs 500 have different lengths, but the samespring constant, and also comprise a lower strap 450 disposed between anelongate strap 400 and a handle strap 555. The lower strap 450 mayattach to the elongate strap 400 at the same or similar place as do thetwo springs 500, and may attach to the handle strap 555 at the same orsimilar place as do the two springs 500. The lower strap 450 may have alength greater than either the first or second springs 500, and may havea length that is 0.3 m greater than the first spring 500, and 0.05 mgreater than the second spring 500. In this configuration, when the userapplies any force up to 14N, the two springs 500 will stretch up to 0.3m, and may generally act as if the lower strap 450 is not attached.Since the lower strap 450 is 0.3 m longer than the first spring 500, thefirst spring 500 must displace 0.3 m before the lower strap 450 becomesengaged. However, once more than 14N of force is applied to the firstspring 500, the second spring 500, and the lower strap 450, the lowerstrap 450 will not elongate further.

The graph in FIG. 13 shows a force-displacement curve for two springsand a static strap in parallel, where the first spring has a springconstant of 40 N/m and the second spring has a spring constant of 40N/m, the second spring is 0.25 m longer than the first spring, and thestatic strap is 0.3 m longer than the first spring and 0.05 m longerthan the second spring. Similar to the graphs in FIGS. 11 and 12, when10N is applied to the two springs and strap, the first spring displaces0.25 m. And similar to the graph in FIG. 12, when 14N of force isapplied to the two springs and strap, the first spring displaces 0.3 mand the second spring stretches from 0.25 m to 0.3 m. However, when morethan 14N is applied to the two springs and strap, the first spring willonly displace 0.3 m and the second spring will only stretch from 0.25 mto 0.3 m. Any additional force applied, may be resisted by the lowerstrap 450. For instance, if 20N of force is applied, the first spring500 will displace 0.3 m and apply 12N of force resistance, the secondspring 500 will displace from 0.25 m to 0.3 m and apply 2N of forceresistance, and the static strap will not stretch or elongate and willapply 6N of force resistance. Any force applied greater than 20N may beresisted by an equal and opposite resistance force from the lower strap450.

The above examples involving at least one spring 500 and in someinstances one or more springs 500 and/or a lower strap 450 are forillustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.This includes the configurations and embodiments described, as well asthe graphical depictions in FIGS. 11-13. More or fewer springs orstraps, in parallel or series may be added to the exercise device orcomprise the exercise device depending on the configuration and/or theresult desired.

It may be advantageous for an exercise device 100 to comprise one ormore springs and/or straps, in parallel or series. Some exercises thatare available to an exercise device 100 may work well with a staticstrap. However, the exercise may work equally well with at least onespring 500 attached to the exercise device 100. The exercise may targetdifferent muscles or parts of the user's body depending on whether aspring or strap is used. In some embodiments, a user may benefit from aconfiguration of an exercise device 100 where the spring constant is notthe same throughout the entire range of the exercise motion. Forinstance, a user may benefit from the beginning movement of the exercisemotion to be relatively easy with little elastic resistance exerted bythe spring. However, the user may also benefit from more resistancefurther in to the exercise motion. This may be accomplished by using aconfiguration similar to that described above where the exercise device100 comprises two springs 500 in parallel with the first spring 500shorter than the second spring 500. In this configuration, the exercisedevice 100 may provide more resistance during the second part of theexercise motion than the first part of the exercise motion.

In some embodiments, a user may benefit from an exercise device 100 thatcomprises two springs 500 in parallel, with the first spring 500 shorterthan the second, and a lower strap 450 that is longer than the secondspring 500. In this configuration, the first part of the exercise motionmay be easier than the second part of the exercise motion, and thesecond part of the exercise motion may be easier than a third part ofthe exercise motion where the lower strap 450 provides resistance force.In some embodiments, the lower strap 450 may be substituted with a thirdspring 500 to provide a different user experience that may be beneficialin some exercise movements.

In some embodiments, an exercise device 100 may comprise two springs500, one attached to each elongate strap 400, and two handles 550, oneattached to each spring 500. The exercise device 100 may be configuredsuch that the springs 500 comprise a connector 420 at a first end ofeach spring, and may be detachable from the elongate straps 400. Atleast part of the anchor portion 200 may be configured such that theanchor strap 210 may be detachable from the upper strap 250. Theconnectors of each spring 420 may then be connected to at least aportion of the anchor portion 200, such as the anchor strap 210, whereinthe anchor strap 210 may not be connected to the upper strap 250. Theresult may be a smaller, more compact exercise device 100 that may becapable of providing at least some of the benefits of a differentembodiment of an exercise device 100. For instance, as shown in FIG. 10,a user may connect the springs 500 at least directly to the anchor strap210 using connectors. The user may secure the obstruction device 205 toa suitable structure. The user may be able to perform various upper-bodyexercises such as the lat row or chest press, or lower-body exercisessuch as a standing hip abductor exercise. The user may also be able toperform exercises even if the obstruction device 205 is not connected toa suitable structure. For instance, the exercise device 100 may beconfigured such that the springs 500 are connected to the anchor strap210 or to each other, and the user may be able to exercise his shouldersby moving his hands away from each other. The springs 500 may beconfigured such that as the user moves his hands away from each other,the springs 500 provide tensile resistance against the user's movement.In some embodiments, a first handle 550 may be connected to a first endof a single spring 500, with a second handle 550 connected to a secondend of the spring 500. This configuration may also provide the user withavailable exercises. In some embodiments (not shown), the two handlesmay be connected to two springs respectively, and the two springs may beconnected to each other using a connector such as a carabiner. Otherconfigurations using one or more handles, one or more springs, theanchor, and one or more straps may be possible. The variousconfigurations may be at least partially influenced by the user'spreference.

An exercise device 100 that can be separated in to components andreattached into different configurations may be advantageous to a user.For instance, a user may desire to use an exercise device 100 whiletraveling. It may be advantageous for the exercise device 100 to beconfigured to allow the user to take parts of the exercise device 100while traveling and be able to perform different exercises. The user maydesire to take all parts of the exercise device 100 in order to be ableto perform all of the available exercises; or the user may desire totake only some components of an exercise device 100 and perform theexercises that may be performed with only those components. Since theuser may have different options as to configurations, the user mayappreciate the ability to customize the exercise device 100 depending onhis or her needs for a particular trip or situation. Otherconfigurations may be possible for an exercise device 100 and the scopeof the invention is not limited to the configurations explicitlydescribed herein.

The length of the elongate straps 400 may be variable such that thelength can be increased or decreased. The elongate straps 400 may beconfigured to allow changes to the length using an elongate strapadjuster 410, which may comprise a ladder lock buckle. In someembodiments, a strap adjuster 410 is disposed on or near an elongatestrap 400. The elongate strap 400 may comprise two ends with the firstend connected or connectable to a lower strap 450, a spring 500, or ahandle 550. The elongate strap 400 may extend from the first end,through the strap adjuster 410, through an eyelet strap connector 335,eyelet of the main connector 325, or some other portion of the mainconnector 300, then back down to the adjuster 410, wherein a second endof the elongate strap 400 may be attached or connected to the adjuster410. The elongate strap 400 and strap adjuster 410 may be configuredsuch that the adjuster 410 may slide or move along at least part of theelongate strap 400. An adjuster grip 415 may be connected to theelongate strap adjuster 410 and may allow a user to more easily changethe location of the adjuster 410 along the elongate strap 400.

An exercise device 100 that comprises an elongate strap 400 comprisingan adjuster 410 that may slide or move along at least part of theelongate strap 400 to alter the distance between the main connector 300and the spring 500 or handle 550, may be advantageous. Differentexercises may benefit from the elongate straps 400 being longer orshorter, and a user may appreciate the ability to quickly and easilychange the length of the elongate strap 400 depending on the exercise heprefers to do. In addition, it may be beneficial for the strap adjuster410 to be disposed between the main connector 300 and the handle 550 andgenerally away from the handle 550. When performing exercises, a usermay find it uncomfortable for an adjuster 410 to be right next to hishands and/or wrists. Different exercises may require the elongate strap400 to be near or touching the users hands, wrists, or arms, and anadjuster 410 that is too close to the user's hands may providediscomfort. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the exercise device100 to comprise an elongate strap adjuster 410 that is not adjacent thehandles 550.

As used in this disclosure, the terms and labels should generally begiven their plain and ordinary meaning. For instance, the term “strap”should generally be interpreted to include, without limitation, a stripof pliant material that may be long and narrow. It may comprise variousmaterials including, without limitation, nylon. The term “spring” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include, without limitation, an elasticdevice that at least partially regains its original shape after beingcompressed or extended. It may include, without limitation, elasticdevices made of metal, plastic, rubber, nylon, or other materials thatcomprise or define a spring constant over at least part of the device'sdisplacement. The term “handle” should generally be interpreted asincluding, without limitation, a part that is configured to be held oroperated by one's hand, but may also include a part that may be operatedby other parts of one's body. The term “connector” should generally beinterpreted to include, without limitation, a device providing aconnection between at least two parts. The term “anchor” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include, without limitation, a source ofsecuring or stability and/or a point of support.

In some embodiments, a method using the exercise device may include:securing an anchor portion to a generally stable object; gripping one ormore handles with one or more body parts; and applying a tensile forceto the exercise device in a direction generally opposite from the anchorportion.

In some embodiments, a method of using the exercise device may includeany of the following steps: securing an anchor portion to a generallystable object; adjusting the upper strap to a desired length; adjustingthe length of an elongate strap by moving or sliding a buckle along theelongate strap either towards or away from the handles; connecting alower strap to the handle portion; disconnecting a lower strap from ahandle portion; connecting a lower strap to the elongate strap;connecting a first spring to the handle portion; disconnecting a firstspring from the handle portion; and connecting or disconnecting a secondspring to or from the handle portion. In some embodiments, the step ofsecuring an anchor portion to a generally stable object may includewrapping an upper strap around a stable object and adjusting the lengthof the upper strap.

In some embodiments, a method of using the exercise device may include:connecting a first handle portion to a first end of a first spring;connecting a second handle portion to a first end of a second spring;and connecting the second end of the first spring to the second end ofthe second spring, either directly or indirectly. The method may furthercomprise any of the following steps: connecting the second end of thefirst spring to an anchor portion; connecting the second end of thesecond spring to an anchor portion; securing the anchor portion to agenerally stable object. An exercise device in configured in theseembodiments may be of substantially the same, or similar, length ascommercial exercise bands available. Thus, the exercise device may beversatile in that it can be adapted to multiple configurations that maymimic or be close substitutes for individual pieces of exerciseequipment that must usually be purchased separately and cannot be easilyintegrated into other exercise equipment systems. A method to use theexercise device in any of these embodiments may comprise placing aportion of the springs on the floor, wherein the portion of the springsplaced on the floor may include the approximate middle of the springsand/or the approximate location where the first and second springsengage; gripping the handles of the exercise device; moving at least oneof the handles in either an upward and/or outward movement; andreturning the at least one handle to a rest position, wherein the restposition may be a location where the spring is substantiallyunstretched, or less extended as compared to other portions of theexercise motion.

Various modifications to the implementations described in thisdisclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and thegeneric principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theimplementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel featuresdisclosed herein. Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in theart will readily appreciate, the terms “upper” and “lower” are sometimesused for ease of describing the figures, and indicate relative positionscorresponding to the orientation of the figure on a properly orientedpage, and may not reflect the proper orientation of the device asimplemented.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more exampleprocesses in the form of a flow diagram. However, other operations thatare not depicted can be incorporated in the example processes that areschematically illustrated. Additionally, other implementations arewithin the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actionsrecited in the claims can be performed in a different order and stillachieve desirable results.

In describing the present technology, the following terminology may havebeen used: The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items.The term “ones” refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies tothe selection of some or all of a quantity. The term “plurality” refersto two or more of an item. The term “about” means quantities,dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and othercharacteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or largeror smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art. The term “substantially” means thatthe recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achievedexactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example,tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations andother factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amountsthat do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended toprovide. Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a rangeformat. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merelyfor convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration,a numerical range of “about 1 to 5” should be interpreted to include notonly the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but alsoinclude individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range.Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2,3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4 and 3-5, etc. This sameprinciple applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g.,“greater than about 1”) and should apply regardless of the breadth ofthe range or the characteristics being described. A plurality of itemsmay be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these listsshould be construed as though each member of the list is individuallyidentified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual memberof such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any othermember of the same list solely based on their presentation in a commongroup without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms“and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are tobe interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items maybe used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term“alternatively” refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives,and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listedalternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and withoutdiminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various componentsmay be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that suchchanges and modifications be included within the scope of the invention.Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages arenecessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by theclaims that follow.

1. (canceled)
 2. A portable exercise system comprising: an anchorportion comprising an obstruction device connected by a first anchorstrap to a second anchor strap, the second anchor strap comprising anopening and a connector, the exercise system configured to beselectively anchored, firmly secured, and/or clamped to a horizontalobject or a vertical object along the height of a standing user by theobstruction device or the opening; a first elongate strap and a secondelongate strap, each elongate strap comprising an upper strap portionand a lower strap portion continuous with the upper strap portion, thelower strap portion having a first upper end and a detachable secondlower end, the upper strap portion configured to be adjustable inlength; a first handle and a second handle, both handles configured tobe optionally attached together for holding in one hand during use ofthe portable exercise system; and at least a first spring and a secondspring, the springs configured to be optionally connected to each otherin a series to form a resistance band during use of the portableexercise system; wherein said anchor portion is at least one ofconnected and connectable to said first elongate strap and said secondelongate strap using a swivel connector, the swivel connector beingsized to prevent free movement of the first and second elongate strapsthrough the swivel connector and limiting the length of said first andsecond elongate straps; wherein each of said first and second handlesmay be connected to the anchor portion by each of said respective firstand second elongate straps, including the detachable lower strap portionand the upper strap portion of each elongate strap, each lower strapportion capable of being connected to its respective upper strap portionat a first upper connector and to its respective handle at a secondlower connector; wherein for each elongate strap, the second lowerconnector of each detachable lower strap portion is detachable from itsrespective handle and may be optionally reattached to its respectiveupper strap portion; wherein each lower strap portion is also capable ofbeing connected at or above the first end of the resistance band by thefirst upper connector; wherein the first upper connector comprises atleast one of an anchor, swivel, clip, carabineer, or an additionalattachment; and wherein the exercise system is configured to have atleast three modes of operation: a first mode in which at least the firstspring and second spring are disposed parallel to at least part of,respectively, the lower strap portion of the first elongate strap andthe lower strap portion of the second elongate strap, wherein eachspring is attached to the exercise system at the first upper connectorand the second lower connector of its respective elongate strap; andwherein each lower strap portion is attached to its respective upperstrap portion by its respective first upper connection and attached toits respective handle by its respective second lower connector; a secondmode in which at least the first spring and second spring is attached tothe exercise system at the first upper connector of its respectiveelongate strap, wherein each spring is also attached to the exercisesystem at its respective handle; and wherein the second lower connectorof each detachable lower strap portion is detached from its respectivehandle to expose only each respective spring to tension; a third mode inwhich the at least the first spring and second spring are connected in aseries to form the resistance band, wherein the resistance bandcomprises a first end and a second end, wherein at least one lower strapportion is connected at or above the first end of the resistance band atits respective first upper connector, and wherein the second lowerconnector of each detachable lower strap portion is detached from itsrespective handle to expose only the resistance band to tension.
 3. Theexercise system of claim 2, further comprising third and fourth springs,wherein in the first mode of operation: the third spring is disposedparallel to the first spring and at least part of the lower strapportion of the first elongate strap, the third spring attached to theexercise system at both the first upper connector of the first elongatestrap and the second lower connector of the first elongate strap; andthe fourth spring is disposed parallel to the second spring and at leastpart of the lower strap portion of the second elongate strap, the fourthspring attached to the exercise system at the first upper connector ofthe second elongate strap and the second lower connector of the secondelongate strap; and wherein in the second mode of operation: the thirdspring is attached to the exercise system at the first upper connectorof the first elongate strap, and the third spring is also attached tothe exercise system at the first handle; and the fourth spring isattached to the exercise system at the first upper connector of thesecond elongate strap, and the fourth spring is also attached to theexercise system at the second handle.
 4. The exercise system of claim 3,wherein in the third mode of operation the third and fourth springs maybe connected in a series along with the first and second springs to formthe resistance band.
 5. The exercise system of claim 3, wherein in thethird mode of operation the third and fourth springs are connected in aseries to form a second resistance band, wherein the second resistanceband comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein at least onelower strap portion is connected at or above the first end of the secondresistance band at its respective first upper connector, and the secondlower connector of each detachable lower strap portion is detached fromits respective handle to also expose the second resistance band totension.
 6. The exercise system of claim 3, wherein the third and fourthsprings are different lengths compared to said first and second springswhen unstretched.
 7. The exercise system of claim 3, wherein the thirdand fourth springs are the same size compared to the first and secondsprings when unstretched.
 8. The exercise system of claim 2, whereineach of said first and second springs comprises an elastic exerciseband.
 9. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein each of said first andsecond elongate straps comprises static nylon webbing.
 10. The exercisesystem of claim 2, wherein said anchor portion comprises an obstructiondevice and at least one strap.
 11. The exercise system of claim 2,wherein said anchor portion comprises an obstruction device and at leastone band.
 12. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein each of said firstand second springs is connectable to said anchor portion.
 13. A portableexercise system comprising: an anchor portion; a first elongate strapand a second elongate strap, each elongate strap comprising an upperstrap portion and a lower strap portion continuous with the upper strapportion, the lower strap portion having a first upper end and adetachable second lower end; a first handle and a second handle; a firstspring and a second spring; and a swivel connector; wherein the firstspring and the second spring are connected to each other in a series toform a resistance band, the resistance band having a first end and asecond end; wherein the resistance band is connected to the first andsecond handles at the second end of the resistance band; and wherein thefirst end of the resistance band is also connected to at least one of:the anchor portion via the swivel connector, such that the anchorportion is configured to rotate independent of the resistance band; theupper strap portion of at least one elongate strap; the first upper endof the lower strap portion of at least one elongate strap; or the secondlower end of the lower strap portion of at least one elongate strap. 14.The exercise system of claim 13, wherein said anchor portion isconfigured to be continuously adjustable in length.
 15. The exercisesystem of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second elongate strapscomprises two nylon straps.
 16. The exercise system of claim 15, whereinsaid two elongate nylon straps are sewn together at generally consistentintervals.
 17. The exercise system of claim 13, wherein the anchorportion is at least one of connected and connectable to said first andsecond elongate straps using the swivel connector.
 18. A portableexercise system comprising: an anchor portion; a swivel connector; afirst elongate strap and a second elongate strap, each elongate strapcomprising an upper strap portion and a lower strap portion continuouswith the upper strap portion, the lower strap portion having a firstupper end and a detachable second lower end; a first handle and a secondhandle; and a first spring and a second spring, each spring having afirst end and a second end; wherein said anchor portion is at least oneof connected and connectable to said first and second elongate strapsusing the swivel connector; wherein the lower strap portion of eachelongate strap is capable of being connected to its respective upperstrap portion at a first upper connector and to its respective handle ata second lower connector; wherein the first end of the first spring isat least one of connected and connectable to the first elongate strap;wherein the first end of the second spring is at least one of connectedand connectable to the second elongate strap; wherein the second end ofthe first spring is at least one of connected and connectable to thefirst handle; wherein the second end of the second spring is at leastone of connected and connectable to the second handle; wherein thesecond end of the first spring is at least one of connected andconnectable to the first end of the second spring to form a resistanceband with a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of theresistance band is at least one of connected and connectable to theanchor portion using the swivel connector; wherein the first end of theresistance band is at least one of connected and connectable to thefirst or second elongate strap at the first upper connector of thestrap; wherein the first end of the resistance band is at least one ofconnected and connectable to the first or second elongate strap at thesecond lower connector of the strap; and wherein the second end of theresistance band is at least one of connected and connectable to thefirst or second handle.
 19. The exercise system of claim 18, whereinsaid anchor portion is configured to be secured to at least part of adoor.
 20. The exercise system of claim 19, wherein said anchor portionis secured to at least part of a door by placing at least part of saidanchor portion between said door and a door frame associated with saiddoor, and closing said door.
 21. The exercise system of claim 18,wherein said anchor portion is configured to be secured to and wrappedaround a generally stationary object.